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U.S. News has plowed through hundreds of careers, looking for the jobs with the best outlook in this recessionary economy (and beyond), the highest rates of job satisfaction, the least difficult training necessary, the most prestige, and the highest pay. These careers have staying power: They're smart moves now, and they'll be smart moves for years to come.


Audiologist
Biomedical Equipment Technician
Clergy
Curriculum/ Training Specialist
Engineer
Firefighter
Fundraiser
Genetic Counselor
Ghostwriter
Government Manager
Hairstylist/ Cosmetologist
Health Policy Specialist
Higher Education Administrator
Landscape Architect
Librarian
Locksmith/ Security System Technician
Management Consultant
Mediator
Registered Nurse
Occupational Therapist
Optometrist
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
Physician Assistant
Politician/ Elected Official
Urban Regional Planner
School Psychologist
Surgical Technologist
Systems Analyst
Usability Experience Specialist
Veterinarian
Overrated Careers

It looks glamorous on TV. Or you've got an uncle who loves it. Or you heard you could earn a lot of money at it. People pick careers for many reasons, including some bad ones. So in addition to identifying the Best Careers for 2009, U.S. News has also highlighted 13 occupations with a mystique that exceeds reality.

Full list of overrated careers



Ahead-of-the-Curve Careers

Cutting-edge careers are often exciting, and they offer a strong job market. Alas, the cutting edge too often turns out to be the bleeding edge, so here are some careers that, while relatively new, are already viable and promise further growth. They emerge from six megatrends.